How to Sell Your Apollo 9 Memorabilia

To auction, sell or consign your Apollo 9 flown flag, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).

What Did We Learn From Apollo 9?

Astronauts James McDivitt, David Scott and Rusty Schweickart launched the Apollo 9 in March of 1969. This was the third crewed mission of the Apollo Program and first mission to involve the Command/Service Module (CSM) and Lunar Module (LM). The main objectives included testing equipment, such as the Lunar Module engines, Portable Life Support System backpack and docking maneuvers that would be needed for a lunar landing.

Here’s Some Apollo 9 Memorabilia We’ve Sold:

Mission Flown TPI Appendix Signed by James McDivitt — Sold for $13,125

Apollo 9 flown TPI Appendix, from the personal collection of James McDivitt and signed by him. In green felt-tip, McDivitt signs the front cover, “FLOWN ON APOLLO 9 / Jim McDivitt”. This TPI (Transfer Phase Initiation) Appendix was not used, as all normal procedures operated during the mission, as noted on McDivitt’s accompanying signed COA, which also states, “This TPI Appendix…was flown in Earth orbit aboard Apollo 9, 3-13 March 1969, and is from my personal collection…A handwritten note to Rusty Schweickart with Post-Rendezvous LM Torquing data is taped inside the back cover and signed by Gerry Griffin. I have signed and endorsed the front…[signed] Jim McDivitt”. McDivitt also writes “Not needed! / Used Normal With All Systems, OK.” on front cover. Comprised of 16 sheets plus back cover, measuring approximately 8″ x 10.5″, secured by three rings. Light wear, in very good condition. Sold for $13,125.

Mission Flown and Signed NASA Logo Patch from Rusty Schweickart’s PLSS Backpack — Sold for $5,826

Apollo 9 flown NASA logo patch from astronaut Rusty Schweickart’s PLSS. Schweickart signs on the verso, “Flown on Apollo 9 — Cut from my PLSS — / Rusty Schweickart”. This patch would have been located at the top center of the PLSS (portable life support system), the backpack of the spacesuit, providing essentially the same functions as the spacecraft life support system outside the spacecraft. The 6 March 1969 Apollo 9 mission was the first flight of the Command/Service Module with the Lunar Module, testing several aspects before the first moon landing, including the lunar module engines, backpack life support systems, navigation systems and docking maneuvers. As Lunar Module Pilot, Schweickart tested the PLSS for the first time when he left the Lunar Module Spider untethered for a space walk. This was the first (and only) time the PLSS was tested in space before an actual lunar landing. The 3.75″ square NASA patch is sewn onto a slightly larger, irregularly cut swatch. Both are Beta cloth, a fabric fireproof up to 650 degrees Celsius used in Apollo spacesuits after the fatal 1967 Apollo 1 fire. Minor wear, else near fine. Sold for $5,826.

Mission Flown Robbins Medal — Sold for $5,250

Apollo 9 flown Robbins medal, serial number 272, as one of 350 minted. The Apollo 9 mission, which launched on 6 March 1969, was the first flight of the Command/Service Module with the Lunar Module, testing several aspects before the first moon landing, including the lunar module engines, backpack life support systems, navigation systems and docking maneuvers. Obverse of coin features various mission insignia, including the Saturn V, CSM and LM orbiting, as well as the roman numeral “IX”. Verso features each crewmember’s last name engraved around edge, mission dates engraved, “March 3-13, 1969” as well as serial number “272” and the Robbins sterling silver hallmark. Measures 1″ in diameter and is housed in its original ”Robbins Company” plastic box with a “272” sticker on the bottom. Near fine. With an LOA from Jack Swigert’s sister. Sold for $5,250.

Mission Flown & Signed Name Tag Patch from Rusty Schweickart’s PLSS — Sold for $4,229

Apollo 9 flown name tag patch from astronaut Rusty Schweickart’s PLSS. Schweickart signs on the verso, ”Flown on Apollo 9 / Cut from my PLSS / Rusty Schweickart”. This patch was just below the NASA insignia. The portable life support system (PLSS) is the backpack of the spacesuit, providing essentially the same functions as the spacecraft life support system in a smaller, wearable package. The 6 March 1969 Apollo 9 mission tested several aspects critical to landing on the moon, including the lunar module engines, backpack life support systems, navigation systems and docking maneuvers. It was the first flight of the Command/Service Module with the Lunar Module. Schweickart piloted the Lunar Module and tested the PLSS for the first time when he left the Lunar Module Spider untethered for a space walk. This was the first (and only) time the PLSS was tested in space before an actual lunar landing. The 4.25” x 1” ”R. SCHWEICKART” name tag patch is sewn onto a slightly larger, irregularly cut swatch. Both are Beta cloth, a fabric fireproof up to 650 degrees Celsius used in Apollo spacesuits after the fatal 1967 Apollo 1 fire. Fine condition. Sold for $4,229.

American Flag Flown in Space — Sold for $3,125

American flag flown in space on the Apollo 9 mission, with a NASA certificate signed by all three crew members: ”James A. McDivitt”, ”Dave Scott” and ”Rusty Schweickart”. Certificate to which the flag is affixed has small color photos of the crew in their spacesuits and bears the caption: ”This flag was carried in space during the flight of Apollo 9 / March 3 – 13, 1969”. An inscription by Dave Scott reads, ”To Bill Grunert with best wishes and many thanks for your help in showing what Apollo IX was all about”. Flag measures 6” x 4”. Certificate measures 10.25” x 12”. Show through of adhesive to corners of flag and light toning to certificate, else near fine.
Sold for $3,125.

To auction, sell or consign your Apollo 9 flown flag, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).

FAQs

How do I consign or sell my Apollo 9 memorabilia?
It’s never been easier to sell your Apollo 9 memorabilia at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Email a description and images of your item to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can with a free appraisal.

This sounds great and I’d like to move forward. What’s the consignment process like at Nate D. Sanders Auctions?
We’ll send you more information about our auction house along with an agreement to review. Your item will appear in our next auction. Unlike many auction houses, we hold monthly auctions and pay you within an industry-leading 45 days following the auction.

What factors determine the value of Apollo 9 memorabilia or autographs?
The value of your memorabilia can vary based on condition, subject matter and if the items is mission flown.